"Hamas has an extraordinary generous proposal in front of it. It needs to make a decision and make it quickly," Blinken said from Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, and thanked Egypt and Qatar for their mediation efforts. The US top diplomat reiterated his country's "unwavering support" for Israel, while recalling that Washington will do everything to prevent an escalation of the conflict. Blinken regretted that the population of Gaza has been involved in a "terrible exchange of fire provoked by Hamas" and reiterated his rejection of the possibility of the Israeli army launching an offensive against the city of Rafah, on the border with Egypt, without a plan to guarantee the protection of civilians. "We have said very clearly that in the absence of a plan to address the welfare of civilians, we cannot support an offensive against Rafah," Blinken insisted, adding that the United States does not yet know this plan from the Israeli authorities. Blinken also stressed "the need to be prepared for a day-after plan in Gaza," including aspects related to security, governance, humanitarian aid and reconstruction. The US Secretary of State also argued that one of the paths that the Middle East region faces is the full integration of Israel in the region, but allowing "the Palestinians to see their legitimate aspirations of a State fulfilled." "The alternative path is an endless cycle of insecurity," said Blinken, who recognized that "all those involved must make difficult decisions for the future." Blinken acknowledged that the United States and Saudi Arabia have carried out "an intense work in recent months" with a view to a possible normalization of relations between Riyadh and the Israeli government. Blinken's trip to Saudi Arabia is part of a new diplomatic tour in the region that will also take him to Israel and Jordan. Read Also: Hamas claims attack on Israeli military base from Lebanon (Portuguese version)